Heeding Back
- raylong1965
- Jan 21, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 17, 2020
4th Qualifying Round
Gateshead (L6) v Colne (L8)
Saturday 19th October 2019.
Those warm, sunny days of the Preliminary Qualifying rounds seem a distant memory as we head back to the North East. It is a cold and gloomy morning and there's been an accident on the A1. Following a long delay, we miss the kick off again.
My nephew, visiting from Hong Kong, had asked if we would see a match together. I think he meant a Portsmouth game, but decided to join us on the long road. He had seen Pompey earlier in his holiday, a pretty uninspiring 0-0 v Gillingham.
There is a bigger crowd this time, and the supporters from Colne contribute to the excited mood. They are encouraged by a good start from their players, with the game finely balanced.
That is, until the 26th minute, when an incisive pass finds Josh Kayode, who scores with a controlled finish.1-0.
"Heed Army" rings out around the International Stadium.
No more action of note occurs in the first half, and we take advantage of the slightly warmer conditions of the concourse. My nephew treats me to a pint of Guinness, which is actually quite good. The drink, not the fact that he bought it.
Half time Gateshead 1 - 0 Colne
It is raining hard as the second half gets underway and the ball boys look pretty miserable. Tough job.
On the pitch, Kayode is having another impressive game upfront. He collects a through ball, flicks it past the Colne keeper, and is brought down as he tries to get by. Didn't that happen against Ramsbottom?
Kayode takes the penalty himself. He steps up, shoots, and the keeper parries it. Kayode follows in, but his effort is again saved. However, JJ O'Donell is on hand to tuck away the ball at the third time of asking. You have to feel sorry for the Colne goalie. 2-0.
We had to wait until 73 minutes for the next goal, but it was accompanied by the highlight of the game.
A long ball is played down the right towards Greg Olley, who is in an offside position. Up goes the linesman's flag, but Olley has stopped running and protests his innocence. Quickly, the official puts his flag down but in his haste and, no doubt, due to the wet conditions, the flag drops from his hand. Cue raucous cheering from the stand.
He dithers for a second, then continues to run the line without his flag. Play continues, and, as Colne attempt to clear the ball, the linesman attempts to retrieve his flag. In so doing, he slips, landing on his backside,and the crowd erupts.
Seconds later, Olley chips deftly to make it 3-0. More eruption.
You can watch the fun on this clip, starting at about 3:50.
Although the game was over as a contest, Gateshead continue to press forwards. Paul Blackett was introduced and quickly had several good chances. Eventually, on 86 minutes, he got his reward with a clean strike into the corner of the net. 4-0.
We were cold, a little wet and faced the long journey home so, as the clock reached 90 minutes, we decided to leave.
As we walked back to our car, a loud cheer rose from the stand. Jordan Preston had made it 5-0 and the Heed had made it to the 1st Round Proper. The dream of Wembley continues.
Full time Gateshead 5 - 0 Colne.
At this stage, there have been six rounds since the start of the tournament. That's the same number of rounds the eventual winner will play, assuming they come from the Premier League, which is most likely. And there's still two rounds to go before they even start.
Ratings - food 6/10; facilities 8/10; atmosphere and entertainment 8/10 (no Richard Brodie, but the lineman was funny)
Attendance 878
Round trip 336 miles
Jack and Alex
Haringey Borough 0 - 3 Yeovil Town
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